NEWSLETTER OF THE VICTORIAN FOLK MUSIC CLUB INCORPORATED Print Post Approved PP335169/00012 Reg No A2511Y Australian Established 1959 The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the VFMC April 2015 MARCH BUSH DANCE FUN FOR YOUNG & OLD (photo by Trevor Voake) In This Issue ... Item Page Club Events 2 Next Guest Night 3 Guest Artist Review 4 Dance Pages 6 Frances Gathering 2015 8 Martyn Wyndham-Read 12 Folk Quiz/ Port Fairy FF 14 Club information 15 Family Bush Dance 13 PlEase send your contributions for MAY Newsletter by: Friday, 22nd APRIL 2015 to: [email protected]Friday, 22nd APRIL 2015 to: [email protected]Friday, 22nd APRIL 2015 to: [email protected]Friday, 22nd APRIL 2015 to: [email protected]ATTENTION ALL DANCERS: The next VFMC Family Bush Dance will NOT be on the first Saturday of the month. Due to Easter, it will be held on the 2nd Saturday in April. Please note this in your diaries & we hope you can make it!
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NEWSLETTER OF THE VICTORIAN FOLK MUSIC CLUB INCORPORATED
Print Post Approved PP335169/00012 Reg No A2511Y
Australian
Established 1959
The views expressed in this Newsletter are not necessarily those of the Editor or of the VFMC
Bush Dance will NOT be on the first Saturday of the month.
Due to Easter, it will be held on the 2nd Saturday in April.
Please note this in your diaries & we hope you can make it!
Australian Tradition 2 2
Club Sessions
Tuesdays, 7.30—10.15 pm, East Ringwood Community Hall (enter from Knaith Road, off Dublin Road) (Melway 50B8). Supportive round-robin sessions where all are welcome for singing, reciting, performing, workshops etc. $5. Contact Don (0407-737-202)/www.vfmc.org.au
Guest Performer Concert
On the second Tuesday of the month (instead of the weekly session) a concert is held featuring top acoustic performers. Ringwood East Community Hall. Concerts start with open stage acts at 8pm, finishing 10.15pm. $12. $10 conces and members, kids no charge. Contact 0407 737 202 / www.vfmc.org.au
By-Ear Sessions
Join us to learn how to play by following someone on:
Club Event CalendarClub Event CalendarClub Event CalendarClub Event Calendar
• first Thursday, 8.00pm (at Harry’s
place)
• Second Tuesday, 10:15 pm (after the Ringwood Folk Guest Night
• Every Monday, 8:00 pm, (fiddles and mandolins at Harry’s place.)
• Most Saturdays, 11:00am, all instruments and singing, busking opposite the railway station in Ringwood East
Harry Gardner: (03) 9870 8998, 0408 708 998 / www.vfmc.org.au
Ringwood Colonial Dance
Family Bush Dance, first Saturday of every month except January 8-11pm at the Ringwood East Senior Citizens Hall, Laurence Grove. A different band is featured each month and all ages are welcome. $12, $10 concession and members, kids no charge.
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thu Fri Sat
1st April
2nd
By-Ear Session
3rd 4th
VFMC Dance Borderline
Kaylee
5th
6th
Fiddles 7th
Club Session 8th 9th
10th
11th
12th 13th
Fiddles 14th
Guest Night 15th 16th 17th 18th
19th 20th
Fiddles
21st
Club Session
22nd 23rd
24th 25th
26th 27th
Fiddles
28th
Club Session
29th 30th
1st May
2nd
VFMC dance Comhaltas
3rd 4th
Fiddles 5th
Club Session
6th 7th
By-Ear Session
8th 9th
Australian Tradition 3 April 2015 3
Australian Tradition 4 4
Guest Artist Night, March 2015
Steve Bullock started the concert on a spirited note with Killieburn Brae. Peter Kagan And The Wind was next by Jim Smith with his concertina, one of those haunting tales of seal folk and mysterious happenings out on the blustery
sea. Mick Kearon of course is a fine singer of rousing songs and did his impressions of the folk scene by stringing together some good old folk cliches to produce The Folk Club, and then another fine song of the sea The Old Girl.
The Shearers Tally Bushband are Garry, Nigel and Ian who presented a medley of bushdance tunes Black Cat / Shores Of Botany Bay / 42 Pound Float, then sang My beautiful Fergie
Tractor.
Bill Buttler presented a nice recitation of a couple of poems of WB Yeats interspersed with gentle tunes on harp played by Maree.
80 - 100 years ago jug bands were a popular musical form particularly on the streets of poor southern towns in the US. An offshoot of this improvisatory street entertainment was the one man band, and Rudy The One Man Band from Upwey represents a local version. Rudy, with assistance from various stuffed monkeys on cymbals, toy bears on bells and other paraphenalia played Scotland The Brave and Loch Lomond, then sang Leo Sayer's One Man Band. He assured me the umbrella was necessary for acoustic foldback.
Thanks to all the spot acts who provided a wide range of musical interest this night.
Australian Tradition 5 April 2015 5
This was the first appearance of about 30 in Australia for The Bombadils, a four piece band of young and well trained musicians from Canada. They are Luke Fraser, Sarah Frank, Anh Phung and Alan Mackie. The latter unfortunately could not make the tour so they were a trio on this occasion. The Bombadils music is a mix of traditional and contemporary, delivered with unpretentious but dazzling skill on their instruments and remarkable harmonies from the girls. They opened their bracket with an uptempo shanty from Newfoundland called Heave Away. A waltz and lively tune followed with some impressive harmonica playing by Anh, who is equally impressive on the flute. Luke sang the traditional song Black Is The Colour Of My True Love's Hair with some moving interplay between the fiddle and the flute.
They are very good writers too of tuneful and well put together music, Hour Of The Blue Snow by Sarah was nicely sung by her and included more expert harmonica from Anh. A lively bluegrass tune What Kind Of Bird Are You was next featuring mandolin and more superb interplay between the fiddle and flute. Song Of Wandering Aegnus was a soaring piece based on a WB Yeats poem, and Nova Scotia Goodbye a pretty song of departure. Each took a lead on a three part medley
before their finale, a moving rendition of Will Ye Go Lassie Go, went straight to the hearts of the audience who joined them on the chorus with great feeling for a fitting end to the night. The future of folk and acoustic music in general is in very good hands with such talented young people as The Bombadils. Again thanks to all who helped make the night work so well, the blackboard acts, the Club helpers, and our enthusiastic audience. Kavisha Mazella will be our featured artist on 14th of April, it should be another great night.
- Review Don Fraser, photos Trevor Voake.
Guest Artist Night, March 2015
Australian Tradition 6 6
The Dance Page
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednes-
day
Thursday Friday Saturday
1st April Irish
2nd EASTER
3rd GOOD FRIDAY
4th VFMC Dance
Borderline Kaylee or Scottish
5th EASTER SUNDAY
6th EASTER
MONDAY
7th English
8th Irish
Colonials
9th Scottish
Colonials Beginners
10th
11th Scottish
12th Welsh
13th Irish or Scottish
14th English
15th Irish or
Colonials
16th Colonial
Bush Dance
17th
18th
19th Welsh
20th Irish or Scottish
21st English
22nd Irish or
Colonials
23rd Colonials Beginners
24th
25th
26th Contra
27th Irish or Scottish
28th English
29th Irish or
Colonials
30th
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1sr May
2nd
VFMC Dance Cohmaltas
3rd TSDAV
4th Irish or Scottish
5th English
6th Irish or
Colonials
7th
8th
9th
Scottish
Australian Tradition 7 April 2015 7
The Dance Page
Claddagh Irish set dancing at St Georges Anglican Church, Warncliffe Rd, Ivanhoe. 2-5pm. Contact Rod: 9497-1793
VFMC Colonial Dance at East Ringwood Scout Hall (Dec. only), Knaith Rd Reserve, East Ringwood, 8-11 pm. Contact Jane: 9762-1389
Irish Monday Dancing at The Quiet Man pub, Racecourse Road, Flemington, 8-10 p.m. Contact Marie: 9471-0690
Irish Wednesday Irish dancing at St. Phillips Church, Hoddle St, Collingwood, 8-10pm. Contact Marie: 9471-0690
English Dancing at Bennettswood Neighbourhood House, 7 Greenwood Street, Burwood, 8-10pm. Contact George: 9890-5650.
Colonial Wednesday Social dance classes at Collingwood Senior Citizens Hall, Eddy Crt, Abbotsford, 8-10pm. Contact Coral : 9885-6109
Colonial Thursday Australian Colonial Bush Dance: Ashburton Uniting Church, 3 Ashburn Grove, Ashburton, 7.30-10pm. Coral: 9885-6109
Scottish Thursday Taggerty Hall, Maroondah Highway at Taggerty, corner of Thornton Rd. 7-9pm. Contact Di Gaylard: 5963-3277 or [email protected]
________________________________
Australian Tradition 8 8
FRANCES GATHERING 2015
Frances’ main claim to fame might
normally well be its small seed
processing factory but on the week-end
of 26-28 Feb the tiny hamlet on the Vic/
SA border, (population 32) assumed a
temporary new dimension when a horde
of music buffs overwhelmed the tiny
township for the annual Music
Gathering. This was the 16th successive
occasion that the Gathering has put
Frances on the music map in this manner.
Accommodation is limited to one hotel-motel, but there are plenty of camp sites
available for visitors and, although the facilities are basic, they are adequate. Camp
sites are situated at the football club and the adjacent bowls club, both a short walk
from the main entertainment in the town centre where large marquees are erected and
streets are blocked off for the main days.
Attendees who shun culinary involvements would have appreciated the Friday night
Welcoming Barbeque and the huge breakfasts that were available at very modest
prices, and there was also an ever-ready supply of take-away food available at the
centre of entertainment and the sole general store, as well as the hotel menu to be
consulted.
The first day, the Friday, was allocated mainly to the younger set with bus-loads of
children from surrounding schools participating in all types of appropriate
competitions and workshops. It is an eagerly awaited occasion for the kids.
The general program was wide in scope and catered for most music themes with
dances, music sessions, concerts, competitions and no less than 25 varied workshops
to be absorbed.
In fact the inclusive program included just about anything applicable to the folk
scene – ukulele, bluegrass, Slim Dusty and Beatles songs, Irish ballads, poetry, tin
whistles, free reed instruments, a buskers workshop, blackboard concerts and a
blackboard competition which boasted no less than 11 classes. There was plenty of
scope for the dancers, too, with a variety of Irish dances and traditional early
Australian dances on offer, the enjoyment of which was enhanced by ideal dancing
weather.
Australian Tradition 9 April 2015 9
Also to indulge in was an art show as well as a visit by the Naracoorte Pipe Band which added to the sound and to the colour of the occasion, and would-be politicians had the chance to emulate Melbourne’s Yarra Bank days by trying out at The Speaker’s Corner. Further, open music sessions were a constant attraction in the town centre, most times supported by the iconic Gay Charmers dance band. At one time there was the opportunity to join in with a visiting family of Irish musicians who led a superb session of traditional Irish music, although their standard of playing was such that participating in this particular session could well be regarded more as a privilege than an opportunity. Irish influence was present with Comhaltas members from both Adelaide and Melbourne branches in attendance, giving a measure of balance to the overall program. Events in the main concert tent were well attended, especially for the event intriguingly entitled the Mixed Grille. For this competition participants first needed to seek out their other team members using colour coded stickers to guide them. Then the resulting teams of 4-6 contestants were required to develop a presentation which they made on stage to the public. This took place on the Sunday, after which the teams were then subject to outrageous observations and interpretations by the judges. It was great fun for all. Elsewhere a Boot Throwing competition belied its rather mundane title and produced a major slice of entertainment and hilarity, too, which was mostly brought about by the crazy angles at which the thrown boot-cum-projectile proceeded – sometimes 90 degrees to either side, other times completely vertical, and at one time the thrown projectile even landed behind the distraught launcher. Popular footballer, Tim Naylor of Naracoorte, threw the boot the furthest and scored a new pair of Rossi boots for his efforts.
Bagpipers
Australian Tradition 10 10
This year the Special Guest was Bruce Watson, whilst other main performers included Andrew Clermont, Peter Ellis, Mike Jackson, Mike McGregor, Tony O’Rourke, brothers Don & Kyle of Half to Forth fame, and The Gay Charmers dance band. The Gathering could be noted for this line-up alone.
Pleasing numbers of VFMC members were in attendance and although the main organising and conducting of the Gathering is a joint undertaking between two groups, one based in Adelaide and the other based at Frances, the role played by the VFMC has become progressively more prominent over recent years. This year that role included organising and conducting various dances and workshops and also heading up the dance music in composite bands which also included Gay Charmers and Emu Creek members. The dances in which the Club were involved were MC’d by Carol Rowe and were all well attended and enjoyable events.
The last dance for the festival (conducted by VFMC) on the Sunday night was particularly favoured when Bruce Watson appeared and performed a special song and an ad-hoc dance routine (as only Bruce Watson can). At another such time during the night an adept Melbourne Comhaltas member, Matt Harriage, performed a demonstration of the Irish Broom Dance which stretched the imagination as to just how skilful and fit some dance performers are. Both were experiences to be remembered.
Don F, Graeme and Cathryn and Peter Ellis practising
Australian Tradition 11 April 2015 11
Ray and Joan Mundy conducted a workshop based on the Joy Durst songbook during which Ray provided well researched background information about each song selected for singing, whilst on another occasion Don Fraser, Graeme Higman and Peter Ellis lead a workshop on free-reed instruments (accordion, concertina and harmonica). Peter also led another workshop connected with the new edition of the book Music Makes Me Smile which VFMC was heavily involved with. He too gave comprehensive backgrounds to each tune selected from the book before inviting attendees to join him to play the tune. At another time Stuart Simms and Peter conducted a workshop on old-time traditional dancing and dance music which, between them, brought together some 100 years of accumulative dance band experience. The wise ones attended this workshop in preparation for the later organised dances. Also attending the Frances Gathering was a grand lady of folk festivals who most of us older folkies have been exchanging pleasantries and music with for many years. It was, of course, Millicent’s Nel Groot. Nel is soon to turn 90 and intends to celebrate this event in a big way on Saturday May 9th at Millicent Community Club at which, I am reliably informed, she might even be persuaded to sing the popular Dutch song Daar Bij Die Molen (The Windmill Song) - if it is suggested. - review and photos by Stan Alexander
Don G and Stan C in session at Frances
Australian Tradition 12 12
MARTYN WYNDHAM-READ HOUSE CONCERT
A WONDERFUL EVENING!
On Friday 20th February Dominic and Bette generously hosted their first ever house
concert at their house in Park Orchards. A divine venue with the concert held in fact
actually in their former swimming pool!! Rows of chairs surrounding a massive table
full of delicious dishes added to the ambience provided by a large, friendly crowd of
VFMC members all eager to see the renowned Martyn Wyndham-Read perform.
The informal second
“concert” offered by
Martyn after the earlier,
more formal concert
(photo by Wal Tiedemann)
An introductory session began the proceedings, with several audience members
performing, at Martyn’s request. This included Steve Bullock and Margaret Creighton
doing some English ditties, Greg Woodruff an original song, another song by our host
Dominic, and Ken Prato a spoken word contribution—all very well received. Then the
master of traditional Australian song who we’d all been waiting for quietly commenced
and we settled in for a treat. Having not heard Martyn for over 20 years myself, I was
amazed and impressed to find his voice as golden as ever. Henry Lawson’s poems set
to music came to life once again, as well as many other songs both with and without
guitar accompaniment. A delightful touch was Martyn quite often preceding a song
with a poem on a related theme to the song he was about to perform. But the real thrill
was talking to Martyn afterwards, while buying his CD, with the result that he insisted
somehow on giving us late stayers an after-concert to show me another version of
Lawson’s ‘Do You Think That I Do Not Know’ plus others, with Dominic joining in
on one. A wonderful and unforgettable evening! - Maggie Somerville
Australian Tradition 13 April 2015 13
Australian Tradition 14 14
2015 PORT FAIRY FOLK MUSIC FESTIVAL
What a great long weekend! Despite some drizzly weather at first, everyone—all 40,000 attendees—seemed to have a great time, whether performing or watching & listening. Having not been to this festival for nearly 30 years, I found it both exhilarating and interesting to be a part of it all. Adding my musical input to the spoken words of Stephen Whiteside, Geoffrey Graham, Jim Haynes in ‘The Wit & Wisdom of C.J. Dennis’ was terrific fun though a little daunting with such a big audience in St Patrick’s hall. And seeing Geoffrey Graham transform into Bill the Sentimental Bloke next day (helped by commentary & glossary from Stephen W. and Jim Haynes) was a mindblowing experience (see photo at right), as was Geoffrey’s ‘Voices of War’ show! Stephen also gave a fascinating solo workshop on the life of CJ Dennis as well as launched his poetry book, ‘The Billy That Died with its Boots On’ to an audience of mostly children.
Although busy, I somehow found pockets of time to see Buffy Sainte-Marie, still raunchy & powerful in her 70s, as well as Danny Spooner, Duncan Brown & co. a’capella. The Surf Club was also a lovely venue for a couple of talented young folk groups: Stray Hens and Oh Pep! Altogether a wonderful weekend away!
- The Stray Hens at the Surf Club
- report by Maggie Somerville; photos by Maggie S. & Stephen W.
FOLK QUIZ
1) What year did the Port Fairy Folk Festival first commence?
2) When is it always held?
3) What sort of music did it originally start with?
4) Who were the two main international guest artists this year?
Australian Tradition 15 April 2015 15
Regular Functions at Other VenuesRegular Functions at Other VenuesRegular Functions at Other VenuesRegular Functions at Other Venues
Bendigo Folk Club
Graham Borrell, 0438 437 680 [email protected] Feature concert on the 3rd Friday of each month 8-11pm, under the grandstand at the Queen Elizabeth oval, Bendigo
Bush Dance and Music Club
of Bendigo Inc
Monthly bush dance at Bendigo East, third Saturday every month. Contact Dianne Pearse ([email protected]) 5442-1715 or Mary Smith 5442-1153 ([email protected]) for details.
Berwick and District Folk Club
Edward Nass / Christine Trimnell, 03 9702 1223 /0418 535 264 [email protected] Featured artist 3rd Friday February to December, The Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick Vic. 3806 www.badfolk.org.au
Boite World Music Cafe
Therese Virtue,, 03 9417 1983 [email protected] Friday & Saturday - March to November, 1 Mark St, North Fitzroy, www.boite.asn.au
Geelong Folk Music Club
Ade Kelly (03)5241-3749, [email protected], Pete Fogarty (03)5339-7887. Featuring quality acts from around the country and overseas. Sessions every Thursday at Hotel Max, 2 Gheringhap St, Geelong. Open Mic. Performance events first Tuesday at Irish Murphy’s, 30 Aberdeen St & 3rd Tuesdays at Hotel Max. Bookings: Paula Grembka 0401 671 1310. http://www.geelongfolkmusicclub.com/
Comholtas (Collingwood)
Joan and Ray Mundy run a session on the
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month,
starting at 7.30pm. Supper provided
Gippsland Acoustic Music Club
Barbara Brabets, 03 5174 7403 Local musicians and concert opportunities. 1st Sunday at 7:45 pm, Tyers Hall, Tyers www.musicclub.org
Ranges Burrinja Folk Club
Andrew Jackson, 03 97567398 or 0402 473 897 [email protected] Guest artist, last Friday of month Burrinja Cultural Centre, 351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey Vic (Mel Ref 75B12) www.rangesburrinjafolk.org/home.html
Selby Folk Club
David Miller, 03 9751 1218 [email protected] 1st Friday every month, at 8:00 pm, Selby Community House Minok Reserve
www.home.aone.net.au/~selbyfolkclub
Peninsula Folk Club
First Sunday of each month, at the Frankston Bowling Club on the corner of Yuille Street and Williams Rd, Frankston, from 6:30 pm on. Carparking, great facilities, no stairs.
peninsulafolkclub.org.au
Yea Acoustic Jam Session
First Friday of the month at the Yea Community House (part of the Library Complex) 7.30 p.m. All levels of musicians and singers most welcome—$2.00 entry. It is run by Rick and Lee Vengeance, phone 5772 0357 during business hours or see Fairly Folk facebook page for more details.
Ballarat Folk Gathering
1st Sunday of the month 2PM(except January) Held at Ballarat South Community Hub 11 Tuppen Drive, Sebastopol Contacts for information: Caron: 5331-9776 Graeme: 5345-5551
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